Yard MD blog: Winter robins

Not all robins head south for winter; help them out with these ideas

Jan. 2, 2014

Winter robins flock together and move in groups through woodlands, parks and other areas in search of leftover berries and fruits. Help them out by providing mealworms and strings of berries and fruit slices. / Rob Zimmer/Post-Crescent Media

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Post-Crescent Media

Chances are, you have been surprised by robins hanging around your yard and garden this winter, especially if you live near a wooded area or park. Many robins, in fact, do not head south for the winter as is commonly thought and, instead, flock together in groups and roam winter woodlands, parks and gardens in search of food.

Large numbers of robins have been recorded on recent Christmas Bird Counts across the state, including right here in the Fox Valley and northeast Wisconsin.

During winter, robins, as well as other members of the thrush family, such as Eastern bluebirds and Hermit thrushes, feed upon berries and fruits for the most part.

If you notice robins hanging around your yard, help them out by providing them with mealworms or waxworms. These are great sources of protein and the hungry birds will gobble them up.

Bluebirds are also highly fond of mealworms throughout the year, and many bluebirds remain in our area all year round as well. Bluebirds are more at home in the open country and forest edge, so, unless you live outside of town, you probably wonít see these beautiful birds at your feeder.

Mealworms and waxworms are available at most bird feeding shops and retail stores. Once you get past the initial shock of handling them, you will find they are quite fun to feed to birds all year long.

You can also help these fruit eaters by placing strings of berries, such as frozen cranberries, cherries, grapes and raisins among the trees, and providing slices of apples, orange, pumpkin, melon and more. Donít worry about freezing, the birds have no problem feeding from these nutritious sources of winter food.